The AIDS Plays Project is reviving and republishing the theatrical works of writers whose lives were cut short by HIV/AIDS-related illnesses.
We are releasing their plays from the archive and returning them to the stage in one-off performances starring award-winning actors, writers and drag artists. Striving for cultural recovery and repair, we seek to mend the connection between these trailblazing playwrights and a younger generation of queer artists and audiences in the UK.
Coming Next
Reasons for Staying
by Colm Ó Clúbhán
7.30pm, 27th February - 1st MarchLondon Performance Studios
Maeve Derivan is drinking alone in the backroom of an Irish pub in London one November night in 1986.
When she overhears a young couple at a nearby table making plans for a new life together in Ireland, she is transported back twenty years to when she was a terrified schoolgirl, sailing to England in search of the abortion she couldn’t get at home.
A group of strangers gather around her, to hear her story and share their own. Each has their own version of Ireland: a place of freedom and oppression, tradition and revolt. But as the night draws on, their thoughts turn to the country’s latest political crisis — and they find their conversation has endangered them all.
‘Reasons for Staying’ is an urgent exploration of immigration and identity by Colm Ó Clúbhán. It premiered in London in 1986 and this is its first professional production in 40 years. In addition to the play, Nicky Harris will be performing several songs originally written by Ó Clúbhán for the Brixton Faeries in the late 1970s. The cast includes Connor Byrne, Cavan Clarke, Liadán Dunlea, Taylor McClaine and Justine Mitchell.
What is The AIDS Plays Project?
Until now there’s not been a project of cultural recovery and revival in contemporary theatre. Alastair Curtis, our founder and director, discusses the project’s aims.
Video: Elijah Horne
July 2024 - The AIDS Plays Project has partnered with Polari Press to return Harry Kondoleon’s ‘Christmas on Mars’ to print for the first time in 30 years. This special edition includes a conversation with critic Don Shewey and an essay by playwright Wendy Wasserstein, as well as photos of our 2023 production. It is a moving tribute to one of America’s most enchanting playwrights.
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Get In Touch
alastair@theaidsplaysproject.comThe AIDS Plays Project was founded by Alastair Curtis. Our project has worked with: Izzy Parriss, Max Allen, Elliott Adcock, Helen Noir, Paul Hilton, Rilwan Abiola Owokoniran, Jeanie Crystal, Luke Hornsby, Sue Gives A Fuck, Lauren John Joseph, Melissa Saint, Alistair Hall, Florence Dobson, Orlando/Holly James Johnston, Sharon Small, Mary Malone, Dominic Holmes, Nathan Armarkwei-Laryea, Syrus Lowe, Adam Silver, Ms Sharon Le Grand, Florence Keith-Roach, Luca Kamleh Chapman, Ben Allen, Lewis Brown, Stuart Thompson, Rakie Ayola, and Sorcha Stott-Strzala.
It was commissioned by London Performance Studios. We have also performed at Rich Mix.
Creative production by KIND. Design by Tom Joyes.